Where Adulthood Begins

Dear FM,

Today’s the day we’ve been looking forward to (and dreading) since we were a teenager—our 30th birthday.

This is when adulthood starts to feel real. I’m beginning to notice my lower back creaking like little old floorboards and how I can’t just eat without consequence anymore. I’m budgeting and time blocking (and still failing at both), but proud that I keep trying even when it’s hard.

Most importantly, I’m starting to focus on taking care of all of me. I know Past Me (PM) was certain we’d have kids by now and never wanted to live in a big city, but somehow we fell in love with Los Angeles and a career in voice over. We’re learning to enjoy the timeline we are in, instead of focusing on mourning ones that we’re not.

I prioritize Future Me (FM) to make sure she has what she needs to succeed like routine, new goals, and water. Lots of water. Everything I do now takes her into consideration so that I can provide her a better life through every decision I make, because one day she will be me, and I want to feel that love from PM reflected in my healthy joints, mindfulness practice, and enriched experiences. 

As for Current Me (CM), I’m just looking forward to connecting these parts of myself. We have a lot we want to create and explore, and this mile marker feels like an opportunity to take a step back and unravel the curiosities I’ve kept close to my chest for years.

In the meantime, I’ll be spending my birthday doing my favorite things: learning, laughing, and adventuring.

I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Love,

—PM